# Senior Communications Engineer

**Company**: Shield AI
**Location**: Dallas
**Work arrangement**: onsite
**Experience**: senior
**Job type**: full-time
**Salary**: $170,000 - $250,000 per year
**Category**: Engineering
**Industry**: Technology

**Apply**: https://jobs.lever.co/shieldai/1a2aa3ca-7742-4da0-bc9a-a804a70c8e7a
**Canonical**: https://yubhub.co/jobs/job_3bb5739b-018

## Description

Shield AI is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer to lead the design, integration, and optimisation of advanced communication systems for our next-generation autonomous aircraft.

This is a high-impact role where you will be responsible for mission-critical data links, encryption, and secure communications, ensuring seamless interoperability between airborne, sensor, ground, and satellite systems. You will work across sensor fusion, RF systems, SATCOM, and AI-driven data processing to deliver an aircraft capable of operating in contested environments with low latency and high reliability.

### Responsibilities:

- Lead the development and integration of data links, encryption, and secure communication architectures into the aircraft platform.

- Define system-level requirements and architectures for RF, SATCOM, optical, and software-defined radio (SDR) communication systems.

- Optimise low-latency, high-bandwidth data transfer and encryption to ensure mission-critical performance.

- Ensure seamless connectivity between the aircraft, command centres, and satellite networks, enhancing real-time data transmission and autonomy.

- Develop AI-driven sensor fusion algorithms to enhance payload performance in high-threat environments.

- Collaborate with avionics, software, and autonomy teams to ensure robust and secure system integration.

- Validate performance through simulation, flight testing, and field deployments.

- Work with DoD stakeholders and compliance teams to ensure mission readiness and adherence to cybersecurity standards

### Qualifications:

- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.

- 8+ years of experience in RF communications or mission systems integration for UAVs or military aircraft.

- Strong expertise in RF systems, satellite communications (SATCOM), tactical data links (Link-16, CDL), and sensor integration.

- Proficiency in software-defined radio (SDR) technologies and secure, encrypted data transmission.

- Experience writing specifications for communications subsystems and architectures.

- Knowledge of MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, and other aerospace data bus standards.

- Experience working with classified communication protocols and DoD compliance.

- Active Secret clearance.

### Benefits:

- Competitive salary range: $170,000 - $250,000 per year

- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge autonomous aviation systems

- Collaborative and dynamic work environment

- Professional development opportunities

Note: The company may use AI tools to support parts of the hiring process, including reviewing applications and analysing resumes.

## Skills

### Required
- RF systems
- satellite communications (SATCOM)
- tactical data links (Link-16, CDL)
- sensor integration
- software-defined radio (SDR) technologies
- secure, encrypted data transmission
- MIL-STD-1553
- ARINC 429
- aerospace data bus standards
- classified communication protocols
- DoD compliance